Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

ABSTRACT

An information processing apparatus that controls a display to display first layer data, detects movement of the information processing apparatus, and controls the display to display second layer data corresponding to the first layer data together with the first layer data based on a movement detected by the detection unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/232,728, filed on Jan. 14, 2014. U.S. application Ser. No. 14/232,728is a National Stage of PCT/JP12/004365, filed Jul. 5, 2012, and claimsthe benefit of priority under U.S.C. §119 of Japanese Application No.2011-159815 filed Jul. 21, 2011. The entire contents of each of theabove-listed documents are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus,an information processing method, and a program.

BACKGROUND ART

In an operation of an information processing apparatus, selection itemsof a layered structure are sequentially selected to determine anoperation of the information processing apparatus. For example, PatentDocument 1 discloses an information processing apparatus that uses atouch panel to operate selection items of a layered structure. It isdescribed that the information processing apparatus displays a desiredselection item by a scroll operation on the touch panel, selects theselection item by a touch operation on the displayed selection item, anddetermines the selection of the selection item by a push operation withrespect to the selected selection item.

CITATION LIST Patent Document

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.    2011-59820

SUMMARY Problems to be Solved

However, a method of operating an information processing apparatus isdiversified, and further operability improvement is required. Therefore,the present disclosure proposes a new and improved informationprocessing apparatus, information processing method, and program thatmay improve an operability in an operation of selecting a selection itemof a layered structure.

Solutions to Problems

The present disclosure provides an information processing apparatuscomprising:

a processor that controls a display to display first layer data; and

a detection unit that detects movement of the information processingapparatus, wherein

the processor controls the display to display second layer datacorresponding to the first layer data together with the first layer databased on a movement detected by the detection unit.

According to such a configuration, detection unit is a tilt detectionunit that detects a tilt movement of the information processingapparatus.

Also, the present disclosure provides A method performed by aninformation processing apparatus, the method comprising:

controlling, by a processor of the information processing apparatus, adisplay to display first layer data;

detecting, by a detection unit of the information processing apparatus,movement of the information processing apparatus; and

controlling, by the processor, the display to display second layer datacorresponding to the first layer data together with the first layer databased on a detected movement.

Also, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readablemedium including computer program instructions, which when executed byan information processing apparatus, cause the information processingapparatus to perform a method comprising:

controlling a display to display first layer data;

detecting movement of the information processing apparatus; and

controlling the display to display second layer data corresponding tothe first layer data together with the first layer data based on adetected movement.

Effects of the Disclosure

According to the present disclosure described above, an operability inan operation of selecting a selection item of a layered structure may beimproved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an externalappearance of an information processing apparatus according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an information processingapparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of selection items of a layeredstructure and an operation of the information processing apparatusaccording to the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a tilt operation used in the sameembodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the relation between a tiltoperation and a tilt angle used in the same embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a swing operation used in the sameembodiment.

FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of an operation of selecting contentto be shifted in the same embodiment.

FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of an operation at the time oftransmitting content to an external apparatus in the same embodiment.

FIG. 7C is an explanatory diagram of an operation at the time of addingcontent in a playlist.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of selection items of a layeredstructure and an operation at the time when the information processingapparatus according to the same embodiment displays selection items in astep-by-step manner according to a tilt degree.

FIG. 9 is an example of a display screen where the informationprocessing apparatus according to the same embodiment displays selectionitems in a step-by-step manner.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example of an operation in anoperation of determining a content shift destination of the informationprocessing apparatus according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an example of an operation at thetime of arranging a device thumbnail according to a distance from atransmission destination device in the same embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for describing the arrangement of anobject on a display screen displayed in the same embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of an information processingapparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating an example of an operation of aselection operation of a selection item of the information processingapparatus according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of an information processingapparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a displayscreen displayed by the information processing apparatus according tothe same embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardwareconfiguration of an information processing apparatus according to thefirst to third embodiments of the present disclosure.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Inaddition, in this specification and the drawings, elements that havesubstantially the same functional configuration will be denoted with thesame reference signs, and descriptions thereon will not be repeated.

In addition, a description will be given in the following order.

1. First Embodiment

1-1. Example of Configuration

1-2. Example of Operation

1-3. Example of Operation Using Tilt Degree (Example of ArrangingTransmission Destination Device According to Distance)

1-4. Example of Display Screen

2. Second Embodiment (Generalized Example of Application)

2-1. Example of Configuration

2-2. Example of Operation

3. Third Embodiment (Example of Application to Imaging Function)

3-1. Example of Configuration

4. Example of Hardware Configuration

1. First Embodiment 1-1. Example of Configuration

First, a configuration of an information processing apparatus accordingto a first embodiment as an example to which a technology disclosed inthe present specification is applicable will be described with referenceto FIGS. 1 to 9. The technology disclosed in the present specificationmay be applicable to an apparatus that has a function of detecting atilt.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an externalappearance of an information processing apparatus according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a functional blockdiagram of an information processing apparatus according to a firstembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagramof selection items of a layered structure and an operation of theinformation processing apparatus according to the same embodiment. FIG.4 is an explanatory diagram of a tilt operation used in the sameembodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the relation between atilt operation and a tilt angle used in the same embodiment. FIG. 6 isan explanatory diagram of a swing operation used in the same embodiment.FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of an operation of selecting contentto be shifted in the same embodiment. FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagramof an operation at the time of transmitting content to an externalapparatus in the same embodiment. FIG. 7C is an explanatory diagram ofan operation at the time of adding content in a playlist. FIG. 8 is anexplanatory diagram of selection items of a layered structure and anoperation at the time when the information processing apparatusaccording to the same embodiment displays selection items in astep-by-step manner according to a tilt degree. FIG. 9 is an example ofa display screen where the information processing apparatus according tothe same embodiment displays selection items in a step-by-step manner.

First, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an information processingapparatus 100 to which the technology of the present specification isapplied. The information processing apparatus 100 is a terminalapparatus that has a function of detecting a tilt of a casing. Forexample, the information processing apparatus 100 may be a terminalapparatus such as a portable phone, a portable music play apparatus, aportable image processing apparatus, a portable game console, atablet-type terminal, a Personal Computer (PC), or the like.

The information processing apparatus 100 includes a display unit 107 ona surface of its casing. A touch sensor may be overlapped with thedisplay unit 107 to detect a position of an operation body on a displayscreen displayed on the display unit 107. Also, in the presentspecification and the drawings, the longitudinal direction of the casingof the information processing apparatus 100 is defined as a y direction(example of a first direction), and the lateral direction of the casingis defined as an x direction (example of a second direction).

Referring to FIG. 2, a functional configuration of an informationprocessing apparatus 100 a according to the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure is illustrated. Also, in the present specificationand drawings, a plurality of elements having substantially the samefunctional configuration may be distinguished by different alphabetsattached after the same reference sign. For example, a plurality ofelements having substantially the same functional configuration, ifnecessary, are distinguished like an information processing apparatus100 a and an information processing apparatus 100 b. However, if each ofa plurality of elements having substantially the same functionalconfiguration need not be especially distinguished, only the samereference sign is assigned thereto. For example, if an informationprocessing apparatus 100 a, an information processing apparatus 100 b,and the like, need not be especially distinguished, the informationprocessing apparatuses are simply referred to as information processingapparatuses 100.

The information processing apparatus 100 a mainly includes a tiltdetecting unit 101, an operation body detecting unit 103, a control unit105, a display unit 107, and a communication unit 109.

(Tilt Detecting Unit)

The tilt detecting unit 101 has a function of detecting a tilt of thecasing of the information processing apparatus 100. The tilt detectingunit 101 may be, for example, a motion sensor such as an angularvelocity sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angle sensor, or the like.Also, the tilt detecting unit 101 may be realized by a combination of atleast two or more of the above motion sensors. An example of the angularvelocity sensor used herein may be a vibration-type gyro sensor, arotation coma gyro sensor, or the like. Also, the acceleration sensorused herein may be, for example, a piezoresistive acceleration sensor, apiezoelectric acceleration sensor, a capacitive acceleration sensor, orthe like. Also, an example of the angle sensor may be a geomagneticsensor. Also, it may be preferable that the motion sensor used as thetilt detecting unit 101 is a sensor capable of detecting a rotationangle with respect to three axes. The tilt detecting unit 101 mayprovide information about a detected tilt to the control unit 105.

(Operation Body Detecting Unit)

The operation body detecting unit 103 has a function of detecting anoperation by an operation body. The operation body detecting unit 103may be, for example, realized by a touch sensor that is installedoverlappingly on the display unit 107 to detect a position of anoperation body with respect to a display screen displayed on the displayunit 107. The operation body may be, for example, a user's finger or astylus pen. The operation body detecting unit 103 may provideinformation about an operation by a detected operation body to thecontrol unit 105.

(Control Unit)

The control unit 105 a has a function of controlling an overalloperation of the information processing apparatus 100 a. For example,the control unit 105 a may control an operation of the informationprocessing apparatus 100 a based on at least one of information about atilt detected by the tilt detecting unit 101 and information about anoperation by an operation body detected by the operation body detectingunit 103. Also, the control unit 105 a may control a display of adisplay screen displayed on the display unit 107, based on at least oneof information about a tilt detected by the tilt detecting unit 101 andinformation about an operation by an operation body detected by theoperation body detecting unit 103. Also, the control unit 105 a maycontrol a connection of an external apparatus through the communicationunit 109.

For example, a description will be given of control of the control unit105 of the information processing unit 100 in a case where selectionitems for determining an operation of the information processingapparatus 100 a are of a layered structure as illustrated in FIG. 3. Thecontrol unit 105 may select a selection item of a layered structure,based on an operation of a plurality of steps using a tilt detected bythe tilt detecting unit 101. For example, assume a case where selectionitems of a first layer include a selection item 1 and a selection item2, and selection items of a second layer lower than the first layerinclude a selection item 1-1, a selection item 1-2, a selection item1-3, and a selection item 1-4. For example, the control unit 105 mayfirst select any one of the selection item 1 and the selection item 2based on a tilt operation using a tilt with respect to a y direction ofthe casing. Herein, the y direction is an example of a first direction,and the tilt operation is an example of a first operation using a tiltwith respect to the first direction. Also, if any selection item isselected from the first layer and thereafter a selection item of thelower layer of the selected selection item is present, then the controlunit 105 may select any one of the selection item 1-1, the selectionitem 1-2, the selection item 1-3, and the selection item 1-4 based on aswing operation using a tilt with respect to an x direction of thecasing. Also, herein, the x direction is an example of a seconddirection perpendicular to the first direction, and the swing operationis an example of a second operation using a tilt with respect to thesecond direction.

Herein, a tilt operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and5. The tilt operation is an operation using a tilt of the casing of theinformation processing apparatus 100 from a state of a time point as areference. Herein, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a referencepoint as a reference may be a time point of detecting a push operationof an operation body with respect to a display screen. When a userperforms a push operation with respect to the information processingapparatus 100, the control unit 105 may detect a change in the tilt ofthe casing with respect to the state of the casing at this time point.Accordingly, the control unit 105 determines that a tilt angle is atilted angle of the casing from the y direction with respect to thereference point. Herein, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a tilt operation inan ascending direction of the front side of the casing when viewed fromthe user is called a tilt up, and a tilt operation in a descendingdirection of the front side of the casing when viewed from the user iscalled a tilt down.

Next, a swing operation will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Theswing operation is also an operation using a tilt of the casing of theinformation processing apparatus 100 from a state of a time point as areference. Herein, a reference point may be, for example, a time pointof the transition from a tilt operation to a swing operation. That is,the control unit 105 may determine that the reference point is a pointof the conversion from a state with a tilt change with respect to the ydirection to a state with a tilt change with respect to the x directionwithout a tilt change with respect to the y direction. Then, the controlunit 105 may determine that a swing angle is a tilted angle of thecasing from the x direction with respect to the reference point. When aswing angle changes, the control unit 105 may change a selection itemdisplay according to this swing angle. For example, herein, assume thata selection item C1-1, a selection item C1-2, and a selection item C1-3are displayed before the change of a swing angle. In this case, when theuser changes a swing angle, the display of the selection items C rotatessuch that the selection item C1-2, the selection item C1-3, and aselection item C1-4 are displayed. Herein, for example, the control unit105 may select a selection item displayed in the center. The controlunit 105 changes the selected selection item whenever the user changesthe swing angle to change the display of the selection items C.

Herein, an example of a case where the present technology is applied tothe selection of a selection item of a layered structure in a scene ofselecting a content shift destination will be described with referenceto FIG. 7. Herein, among the selection items illustrated in FIG. 3, thefirst layer is a layer for selecting whether a content shift destinationis inside or outside the information processing apparatus 100 a. Also,herein, the selection items include a layer for selecting a contenttransmission destination device. The selection item 1 is “to transmitcontent to an external apparatus”, and the selection item 2 is “to addcontent in a playlist”. As illustrated in a display screen 301 of FIG.7A, when in a state where a piece of content is selected and theoperation body detecting unit 103 detects a push operation with respectto the content, the control unit 105 a displays a display screen 303 onwhich a header HID representing the selection item 1 and a playlistthumbnail group PT representing the selection item 2 are displayed. Bythis display screen 303, the user may know that he can perform anoperation of selecting any one of the selection item 1 and the selectionitem 2. Also, in this state, when a tilt up operation is performed, itproceeds to FIG. 7B, and when a tilt down operation is performed, itproceeds to FIG. 7C.

First, a case where a tilt up operation is detected will be describedwith reference to FIG. 7B. When a tilt up operation is performed, adisplay screen 305 including a device base area DA for displaying aselection item of a transmission destination device is displayed. Inaddition, when a tilt angle is increased, the control unit 105 adisplays a display screen 307 on which a device thumbnail DT isdisplayed on the device base area DA. Herein, the control unit 105 a maydetermine a display arrangement of the device thumbnail DT based on afrequency at which a selection item corresponding to each devicethumbnail DT is selected. For example, the control unit 105 a mayarrange a selection item with a high selection frequency at a positionthat is easily selected by the user. For example, the control unit 105 amay arrange a selection item with the highest selection frequency at thecenter. When a swing operation is performed on the display screen 307, aselection item represented by the device thumbnail DT rotates andsimultaneously a selected selection item changes. Herein, the controlunit 105 a selects the selection item corresponding to the devicethumbnail DT displayed in the center. Also, in a state where any one ofthe selection items is selected, when a confirmation operation by anoperation body is inputted, the control unit 105 a may confirm theselection of the selection item. Herein, when a drag operation withrespect to a device thumbnail representing the selected selection itemis detected, this selection (transmission destination device) isconfirmed. Accordingly, the control unit 105 a transmits content to aconfirmed transmission destination device CL1 through the communicationunit 109.

On the other hand, a case where a tilt down operation is detected willbe described with reference to FIG. 7C. When a tilt down operation isdetected, the control unit 105 a determines a state where the selectionitem 2 further sliding in the playlist thumbnail group PT displayed onthe display screen 303 is selected. Then, in the state where theselection item 2 is selected and a confirmation operation by theoperation body is inputted, the control unit 105 a may confirm theselection of the selection item. Herein, when a drag operation towardthe displayed playlist thumbnail group PT is performed, the control unit105 a confirms the selection of the selection item 2 and adds theselection item 2 in a playlist.

In addition, when there are many selection items as illustrated in FIG.8, the selection items may be displayed by being divided into aplurality of steps as illustrated in FIG. 9. When each layer correspondsto a degree of a tilt detected by the tilt detecting unit 101 and hereina tilt angle is within a predetermined first range, it becomes a statewhere a selection item corresponding to a device thumbnail displayed atthe center among a device thumbnail group DTa is selected. Also, whenthe tilt angle is within a second range larger than the first range, itbecomes a state where a selection item corresponding to a devicethumbnail displayed at the center among a device thumbnail group DTb isselected. That is, the user uses a combination of a tilt angle and aswing operation in order to select a selection item of the second layer.In addition, the control unit 105 a may acquire a distance between thecommunication unit 109 and a transmission destination device representedby a device thumbnail, and may determine an arrangement of the devicethumbnail displayed as a selection item, based on the distance. Forexample, the control unit 105 a may determine an arrangement of thedevice thumbnail so that the user can easily select a transmissiondestination device that is at a short distance. The control unit 105 amay select a smaller tilt angle as the distance from the transmissiondestination device becomes smaller. Also, the control unit 105 a mayarrange a transmission destination device, which is at a short distance,in the center.

(Display Unit 107)

Returning again to FIG. 2, a description will be continued. The displayunit 107 is an example of an output device, and may be a display devicesuch as a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, an organic light emittingdiode (OLED) display device, or the like. The display unit 107 mayprovide a display screen to the user under the control of the controlunit 105.

(Communication Unit 109)

The communication unit 109 is a communication interface for allowing theinformation processing apparatus 100 to communicate with anotherapparatus. For example, the communication unit 109 may be a wirelesscommunication interface for communicating with another apparatus bywireless. Specifically, the communication unit 109 may be an interfacefor connecting with a digital living network alliance (DLNA) compliantdevice by wireless. The information processing apparatus 100 a mayfunction as a DLNA server, and may transmit content to a connected DLNAclient.

1-2. Example of Operation

Next, an operation of an information processing apparatus according tothe present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and11. FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example of an operation inan operation of determining a content shift destination of theinformation processing apparatus according to the same embodiment. FIG.11 is a flow chart illustrating an example of an operation at the timeof arranging a device thumbnail according to a distance from atransmission destination device in the same embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit 105 a determines whether a pushoperation with respect to a moving image thumbnail MT is detected by theoperation body detecting unit 103 (S101). If it is determined in stepS101 that a push operation with respect to the moving image thumbnail MTis detected, the control unit 105 a slides out anything other than themoving image thumbnail MT (for example, a footer FT or the like) (S103).Then, the control unit 105 a slides in a header HD to an upper portionof a display screen, and slides in a playlist thumbnail group PT to alower portion of the display screen (S105)

Next, the control unit 105 a determines whether a tilt up operation isdetected by the tilt detecting unit 101 (S107). Then, if a tilt upoperation is detected, the control unit 105 a displays a devicethumbnail DT on an upper portion of the display screen and selects thetransmission of content to an external apparatus (S109). After thedevice thumbnail DT is displayed, the control unit 105 a determineswhether a swing operation is detected by the tilt detecting unit 101(S111). Herein, if a swing operation is detected, the control unit 105 arotates the device thumbnail DT according to a direction of the swingoperation (S113).

The control unit 105 a changes a display position of the devicethumbnail DT by the swing operation, and selects a device thumbnail DTdisplayed in the center among these. When any device thumbnail DT isselected in this manner, the control unit 105 a determines whether anupward drag operation, specifically a drag operation toward the selecteddevice thumbnail DT, is detected by the operation body detecting unit103 (S115). Herein, if a drag operation is detected, the control unit105 a transfers a moving image to a device corresponding to a devicethumbnail displayed in the center (selected) (S117).

On the other hand, if a tilt up operation is not detected in step S107,the control unit 105 a determines whether a tilt down operation isdetected by the tilt detecting unit 101 (S119). Then, if it isdetermined in step S119 that a tilt down operation is detected, thecontrol unit 105 a further slides in the playlist thumbnail group PT ofa lower portion of the display screen and selects the addition ofcontent in a playlist (S121). Then, the control unit 105 a determineswhether a downward drag operation is detected by the operation bodydetecting unit 103 (S123). If a drag operation is detected in step S123,the control unit 105 a adds a moving image in the playlist (S125).

Also, if a swing operation is not detected in step S111, if a dragoperation is not detected in step S115, if a tilt down operation is notdetected in step S119, and if a drag operation is not detected in stepS123, the control unit 105 a determines whether the detachment of afinger from the screen is detected by the operation body detecting unit103 (S127). Then, if the detachment of a finger from the screen isdetected, the control unit 105 a cancels the so-far process and ends theoperation (S129).

1-3. Example of Operation Using Tilt Degree Example of ArrangingTransmission Destination Device According to Distance

Also, when a device thumbnail DT is displayed in step S109 of FIG. 10,the control unit 105 a may determine an arrangement of the devicethumbnail DT based on a distance from each device. An operation of thecontrol unit 105 a in this case is illustrated in FIG. 11.

First, the control unit 105 a acquires a DLNA client list (S201). Then,the control unit 105 a acquires a distance from each DLNA client (S203).Next, the control unit 105 a determines an arrangement of the devicethumbnail DT based on the acquired distance (S205). As described above,it may be preferable that this arrangement is made such that the usercan easily select a device that is at a short distance. For example, itmay be preferable that a smaller tilt angle may be selected as thedistance becomes smaller. Also, for example, the arrangement may be madenearer to the center as the distance becomes smaller. Then, the controlunit 105 a displays the device thumbnail DT in the determinedarrangement (S207).

1-4. Example of Display Screen

Herein, it may be preferable that a display screen for selectingselection items of a layered structure is displayed three-dimensionally.A three-dimensional representational power may be used to improve anoperability of the user. Herein, the respective objects displayed on adisplay screen are represented by a positional relation as illustratedin FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for describing thearrangement of an object on a display screen displayed in the sameembodiment.

Reference signs illustrated in FIG. 12 correspond to the reference signsillustrated in FIG. 7. For example, the moving image thumbnail MTcorresponds to the object represented by the reference sign illustratedin the left diagram of FIG. 7A. In FIG. 12, according to the states, amoving image thumbnail MT1, a moving image thumbnail MT2, and a movingimage thumbnail MT3 are illustrated. The moving image thumbnail MT2represents an arrangement of the moving image thumbnail MT afterperformance of a push operation as illustrated in the right diagram ofFIG. 7A, and the moving image thumbnail MT may be moved down by the pushoperation by the distance of a in a backward direction when viewed fromthe user. Also, when the moving image thumbnail MT is moved down, afooter FT1 is simultaneously slid out in a downward direction to becomean arrangement of a footer FT2. Also, a background BG changes from aposition of a background BG1 to a position of a background BG2. Also,instead of the footer FT, the playlist thumbnail group PT is slid in tobecome an arrangement of a playlist thumbnail group PT2. At this time,the header HD is arranged at the position of a header HD1.

Next, when a tilt operation is performed, the moving image thumbnail MTbecomes an arrangement of a moving image thumbnail MT3 according to atilt angle. Herein, along with the tilt operation, the device base DA isslid in from the upper side of a display screen. When a tilt angleincreases, the device thumbnail DT is displayed on the device base DA.At this time, an arrangement of the device base DA is represented by adevice base DA2, and an arrangement of the device thumbnail DT isrepresented by a device thumbnail DT2.

1-5. Example of Effect

The information processing apparatus 100 a according to the firstembodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. In thepresent embodiment, the case of applying the technology of the presentdisclosure to a scene of transmission of content between devicescorresponding to a DLNA has been described as a specific applicationexample of the information processing apparatus that selects selectionitems of a layered structure by an operation of a plurality of stepsusing the detected tilt of the casing. According to the aboveconfiguration, the user performs a push operation of indicating contentto be transmitted on the display screen with a finger, and may performan operation of tilting (tilt up or tilt down) the casing withoutdetaching the finger, thereby determining whether to move content to anexternal apparatus or perform an internal operation. Then, when thecontent is transmitted to the external apparatus, a transmissiondestination device may be selected by performing a swing operation usingthe tilt of the casing toward a further different direction.

Also, a drag operation or the like may be used to determine the selectedselection item. An operation according to a tilt of the casing isintuitive, but may cause an erroneous operation if there is no feedbackof a tilt degree. Therefore, a combination of separate operations by anoperation body, such as a drag operation, may be used to reduce anerroneous operation.

2. Second Embodiment Generalized Example of Application

In the first embodiment, an example of applying the present technologyin a specific situation where content is transmitted to an externalapparatus has been described above. However, the present technology maybe more widely applied to an information processing apparatus thatselects a selection item of a layered structure. Therefore, the moregeneralized present technology will be described herein.

2-1. Configuration Example

First, a functional configuration of an information processing apparatusaccording to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a functional blockdiagram of an information processing apparatus according to a secondembodiment of the present disclosure.

An information processing apparatus 100 b according to a secondembodiment of the present disclosure mainly includes a tilt detectingunit 101, an operation body detecting unit 103, a control unit 105 b,and a display unit 107.

(Control Unit)

The control unit 105 b may select a selection item of a layeredstructure based on an operation of a plurality of steps using a tiltdetected by the tilt detecting unit 101. The control unit 105 b mayselect a selection item of a first layer based on a first operationusing a tilt with respect to a first direction. Also, when there is aselection item in a lower layer of the selection item selected by thefirst operation (second layer) among the selection items of the firstlayer, the control unit 105 b may display selection items of the secondlayer, and may select a selection item of the second layer based on asecond operation using a tilt with respect to a second directionperpendicular to the first direction. Also, the control unit 105 b mayconfirm the selection of a selection item based on an input by anoperation body detected by the operation body detecting unit 103.

2-2. Example of Operation

Next, an operation of an information processing apparatus according tothe same embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14is a flow chart illustrating an example of an operation of a selectionoperation of a selection item of the information processing apparatusaccording to the same embodiment.

In addition, an operation described herein is a generalized one of theoperation of the information processing apparatus 100 a described in thefirst embodiment, and the first embodiment is a specific example of thesecond embodiment.

First, the control unit 105 b determines whether a push operation isdetected by the operation body detecting unit 103 (S301). Herein, if apush operation is detected, the control unit 105 b displays selectionitems of the first layer (S303). Then, the control unit 105 b determineswhether a tilt operation is detected by the tilt detecting unit 101(S305). Then, if it is determined in step S305 that a tilt operation isdetected, the control unit 105 b selects a selection item of the firstlayer according to a tilt angle (S307).

Herein, the control unit 105 b determines whether there are selectionitems in a lower layer of the first layer (S309). If it is determined instep S309 that there are selection items in the lower layer, the controlunit 105 b displays the selection items of the lower layer on thedisplay unit 109 (S311). Then, in a state where the selection items ofthe lower layer are displayed, the control unit 105 b determines whethera swing operation is detected by the tilt detecting unit 101 (S313).Herein, if a swing operation is detected, the control unit 105 b selectsa selection item according to the detected swing operation (S315). Aftera selection item is selected by step S315, or when it is determined instep S309 that there is no selection item in the lower layer, thecontrol unit 105 b determines whether a drag operation is detected bythe operation body detecting unit 103 (S317). Herein, if it isdetermined that a drag operation is detected, the control unit 105 bconfirms the selection of a selection item based on the detected dragoperation (S319).

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the present technology may be applied in a case where aselection item of a more general layered structure is selected. Forexample, an example of a selection item of a layered structure may be aselection item in a screen that changes operation settings of theinformation processing apparatus 100 b. For example, among the selectionitems in the screen changing the operation settings, a selection itemfor changing display-related settings may be selected. For example, aselection item changing a display size, a selection item changing thebrightness of a screen, or the like, may be present in a lower layer ofthe selected selection item. Herein, when the user selects the selectionitem changing a display size, a display size in a selection item of afurther lower layer may be selected.

3. Third Embodiment Example of Application to Imaging Function 3-1.Example of Configuration

In the above-described second embodiment, a description has been givenof applying the present technology when selecting a selection item of amore general layered structure. However, for example, other than thecase of transmitting content to another apparatus in the firstembodiment, the case of using an imaging function may be an example ofthe case where the application of the present technology is effective.Even when a touch sensor is used in an imaging apparatus, there is astrong need not to touch a display screen because the display screen isalso a display screen displaying an image that is being captured.Therefore, it is also effective to apply an operation, which uses a tiltby the present technology, to a setting screen of an imaging function.

An information processing apparatus according to a third embodiment ofthe present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG.15 is a functional block diagram of an information processing apparatusaccording to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Aninformation processing apparatus 100 c according to a third embodimentof the present disclosure mainly includes, for example, a tilt detectingunit 101, a control unit 105 c, a display unit 107, and an imaging unit111.

(Control Unit)

The control unit 105 c may further control an imaging function by theimaging unit 111. Also, a push operation or a drag operation used in thefirst embodiment and the second embodiment may be replaced with anoperation by a hardware key in the present embodiment. When there is astrong need not to touch a display screen, if an operation by anoperation body using a hardware key is used instead of an operation byan operation body using a touch sensor, it may be possible to prevent afingerprint or a scratch from occurring on a display screen. The controlunit 105 c may display, for example, a setting screen of an imagingfunction as illustrated in FIG. 16. Herein, as illustrated, when alongitudinal direction of a casing (y direction) lies sideways, a tiltoperation is performed using a tilt with respect to a lateral direction(x direction). Also, a swing operation is performed using a tilt withrespect to the longitudinal direction (y direction).

The control unit 105 c may select any one of a selection item 21, aselection item 22, a selection item 23, and the like by a tiltoperation. Also, when there is a selection item of a lower layer of theselection item 22 displayed in the center as illustrated in FIG. 16, thecontrol unit 105 c may display a selection item 22-1 and a selectionitem 22-2 of the lower layer of the selection item 22. Also, the controlunit 105 c may select any one of the selection item 22-1 and theselection item 22-2 by a swing operation. For example, the control unit105 c may determine the selection of a selection item based on adetermination operation by a hardware key.

(imaging Unit)

The imaging unit 111 is a camera module including an imaging device suchas a charge coupled device (CCD) imaging device or a complementary metaloxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging device. The imaging unit 111 operatesunder the control of the control unit 105 c. The imaging unit 111 mayoperate according to the settings set by the above-described settingscreen.

The examples of the functions of the information processing apparatus100 according to the first to third embodiment of the present disclosurehave been shown above. The respective elements described above may beconfigured by using general-purpose members or circuits, or may beconfigured by hardware specialized in the functions of the respectiveelements. Also, an arithmetic device, such as a central processing unit(CPU) or the like, may perform the functions of the respective elementsby reading a control program from a storage medium, such as a read onlymemory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or the like, which storesthe control program describing a processing procedure of realizing thesefunctions, and by interpreting and executing the program. Therefore, theconfiguration to be used may be appropriately modified depending on alevel of technology when the present embodiment is implemented. Anexample of a hardware configuration of the information processingapparatus 100 will be described later.

Also, a computer program for realizing the respective functions of theinformation processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodimentdescribed above may be created and implemented on a personal computer orthe like. Also, a computer-readable recording medium on which such acomputer program is stored may also be provided. The recording mediummay be, for example, a magnetic disc, an optical disc, a magneto-opticaldisc, a flash memory, or the like. Also, the computer program may alsobe delivered through a network, without using the recording medium.

4. Example of Hardware Configuration

Next, an example of a hardware configuration of an informationprocessing apparatus 100 according to the first to third embodiments ofthe present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG.17 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardwareconfiguration of an information processing apparatus according to thefirst to third embodiments of the present disclosure.

The information processing apparatus 100 includes, for example, a GPSantenna 821, a GPS processing unit 823, a communication antenna 825, acommunication processing unit 827, a geomagnetic sensor 829, anacceleration sensor 831, a gyro sensor 833, an atmospheric pressuresensor 835, an imaging unit 837, a central processing unit (CPU) 839, aread only memory (ROM) 841, a random access memory (RAM) 843, anoperation unit 847, a display unit 849, a decoder 851, a speaker 853, anencoder 855, a microphone 857, and a storage unit 859.

The GPS antenna 821 is an example of an antenna that receives a signalfrom a positioning satellite. The GPS antenna 821 may receive GPSsignals from a plurality of GPS satellites, and inputs the received GPSsignals to the GPS processing unit 823.

The GPS processing unit 823 is an example of a calculation unit thatcalculates position information based on a signal received from apositioning satellite. The GPS processing unit 823 calculates currentposition information based on a plurality of GPS signals inputted fromthe GPS antenna 821, and outputs the calculated position information.Specifically, the GPS processing unit 823 calculates a position of eachGPS satellite from the orbital data of each GPS satellite, andcalculates a distance from each GPS satellite to a relevant terminalapparatus 100 based on a time difference between a GPS signaltransmission time and a GPS signal reception time. Then, a currentthree-dimensional position may be calculated based on the calculatedposition of each GPS satellite and the distance from each GPS satelliteto the relevant terminal apparatus 100. In addition, the orbital data ofa GPS satellite used herein may be included in, for example, a GPSsignal. Alternatively, the orbital data of a GPS satellite may beacquired from an external server through the communication antenna 825.

The communication antenna 825 is, for example, an antenna that has afunction of receiving a signal through a mobile communication network ora wireless local area network (LAN) communication network. Thecommunication antenna 825 may provide the received signal to thecommunication processing unit 827.

The communication processing unit 827 has a function of performingvarious kinds of signal processing on a signal provided from thecommunication antenna 825. The communication processing unit 827 mayprovide the CPU 839 with a digital signal generated from a providedanalog signal.

The geomagnetic sensor 829 is a sensor that detects geomagnetism as avoltage value. The geomagnetic sensor 829 may be a triaxial geomagneticsensor that detects a geomagnetism of an X axis direction, ageomagnetism of a Y axis direction, and a geomagnetism of a Z axisdirection. The geomagnetic sensor 829 may provide detected geomagneticdata to the CPU 839.

The acceleration sensor 831 is a sensor that detects acceleration as avoltage value. The acceleration sensor 831 may be a triaxialacceleration sensor that detects acceleration in an X axis direction,acceleration in a Y axis direction, and acceleration in a Z axisdirection. The acceleration sensor 831 may provide detected accelerationdata to the CPU 839.

The gyro sensor 833 is a kind of measurement equipment that detects theangle or acceleration of an object. The gyro sensor 833 may be atriaxial gyro sensor that detects a changing rate of a rotation anglearound an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis (angular velocity) as a voltagevalue. The gyro sensor 833 may provide detected angular velocity data tothe CPU 839.

The atmospheric pressure sensor 835 is a sensor that detects an ambientatmospheric pressure as a voltage value. The atmospheric pressure sensor835 may detect an atmospheric pressure at a predetermined samplingfrequency, and may provide detected atmospheric pressure data to the CPU839.

The imaging unit 837 has a function of capturing a still image or amoving image through a lens under the control of the CPU 839. Theimaging unit 837 may store a captured image in the storage unit 859.

The CPU 839 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a controlunit, and controls an overall operation in the information processingapparatus 100 according to various programs. Also, the CPU 839 may be amicroprocessor. The CPU 839 may realize various functions according tovarious programs.

The ROM 841 may store programs used in the CPU 839, arithmeticparameters, or the like. The RAM 843 may temporarily store a programused in execution of the CPU 839, suitable variable parameters in theexecution, or the like.

The operation unit 847 has a function of generating an input signal forallowing the user to perform a desired operation. The operation unit 847may include, for example, an input unit, such as a touch sensor, amouse, a keyboard, buttons, a microphone, switches, levers, and thelike, for allowing the user to input information, and an input/outputcontrol unit for generating an input signal based on a user's input andoutputting the signal to the CPU 839.

The display unit 849 is an example of an output unit. The display unit849 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD)device, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device, or thelike. The display unit 849 may provide information to the user bydisplaying a screen.

The decoder 851 has a function of performing decoding, analogconversion, and the like, on inputted data and under the control of theCPU 839. For example, the decoder 851 decodes audio data inputtedthrough the communication antenna 825 and the communication processingunit 827, and performs analog conversion to output an audio signal tothe speaker 853. The speaker 853 may output a sound based on the audiosignal provided from the decoder 851.

The encoder 855 has a function of performing digital conversion,encoding, and the like, on inputted data under the control of the CPU839. The encoder 855 may perform digital conversion, encoding, and thelike, on an audio signal inputted from the microphone 857, to outputaudio data. The microphone 857 may collect sounds and output thecollected sound as an audio signal.

The storage unit 859 is a data storage device. The storage unit 859 mayinclude a storage medium, a recording device recording data on thestorage medium, a reading device reading data from the storage medium,and a deleting device deleting data stored in the storage medium, andthe like. Herein, the storage medium may include, for example, anonvolatile memory, such as a flash memory, a magnetoresistive randomaccess memory (MRAM), a ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM), aphase change random access memory (PRAM), and an electronically erasableand programmable read only memory (EEPROM), or a magnetic recordingmedium such as a hard disk drive (HDD).

While the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed above with reference to the accompanying drawings, thetechnical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to suchexamples. Those skilled in the art of the present disclosure may findvarious alternations and modifications within the technical scope of theappended claims, and it should be understood that they will fall withinthe technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, while the first embodiment describes that a moving image istransmitted to an external apparatus, the present technology is notlimited to such an example. For example, transmitted content may be notonly moving images such as movie, television program, and video program,but also music data such as music, performance, and radio program, imagedata such as picture, document, painting, and diagram, game, software,and the like.

Also, while the first embodiment describes the addition of content in aplaylist as an example of processing content internally, the presenttechnology is not limited to such an example. For example, content maybe reproduced on the information processing apparatus 100 a, or may bestored in the storage unit included in the information processingapparatus 100 a.

Also, while the first and second embodiments describe that an operationby an operation body for confirming selection is a drag operation usinga touch sensor, the present technology is not limited to such anexample. The operation for confirming selection may be, for example, apress down of a hardware key. Alternatively, the operation forconfirming selection may be a tap operation with respect to a selectionitem. In addition, various operations using a touch sensor may be used.However, in a case where a series of operation are performed from a pushoperation in the first embodiment, when a drag operation is used, itbecomes an intuitive operation for the user, thus improving theoperability.

Also, while the above embodiment describes selection items of twolayers, the present technology is not limited to such an example. Forexample, a tilt operation and a swing operation may be alternately usedto select selection items of three or more layers.

Also, in the present specification, the steps described in the flowchart may include not only a process performed serially in the orderdescribed, but also a process performed in a parallel manner or in anindividual manner without being performed serially. Needless to say,even when the process is performed serially, the order described may besuitably changed according to circumstances.

In addition, the following configurations are included in the technicalscope of the present disclosure.

(1) An information processing apparatus comprising: a processor thatcontrols a display to display first layer data; and a detection unitthat detects movement of the information processing apparatus, whereinthe processor controls the display to display second layer datacorresponding to the first layer data together with the first layer databased on a movement detected by the detection unit.

(2) The information processing apparatus of (1), wherein the detectionunit is a tilt detection unit that detects a tilt movement of theinformation processing apparatus.

(3) The information processing apparatus of (1) or (2), furthercomprising: the display; and a touch sensor disposed on the display thatdetects a touch input.

(4) The information processing apparatus of any one of (1) to (3),wherein the second layer data corresponds to a process to be performedon the first layer data.

(5) The information processing apparatus of any one of (1) to (4),wherein the processor controls a process corresponding to the firstlayer data based on a selection corresponding to the displayed secondlayer data.

(6) The information processing apparatus of any one of (1) to (5),wherein the processor controls the display to display the second layerdata based on a movement of the information processing apparatus in afirst direction detected by the detection unit.

(7) The information processing apparatus of any one of (1) to (6),wherein the processor controls the display to display a plurality ofgraphic indicia corresponding to the second layer data based on amovement of the information processing apparatus in a first directiondetected by the detection unit.

(8) The information processing apparatus of (7), wherein each of thegraphic indicia correspond to a process to be performed on the firstlayer data based on a selection of each of the plurality of graphicindicia.

(9) The information processing apparatus of (8), wherein each of theplurality of graphic indicia correspond to a device capable ofreproducing the first layer data.

(10) The information processing apparatus of (9), wherein, uponselection of one of the plurality of graphic indicia, the processorinstructs the device corresponding to the one of the plurality ofgraphic indicia to reproduce the first layer data.

(11) The information processing apparatus of any one of (7) to (10),wherein the processor controls the display to scroll the plurality ofgraphic indicia corresponding to the second layer data based on movementof the information processing apparatus in a second direction.

(12) The information processing apparatus of any one of (6) to (11),wherein the processor controls the display to display second layer databased on a movement of the information processing apparatus in a seconddirection by the detection unit.

(13) The information processing apparatus of claim 12), wherein theprocessor controls the display to display graphic indicia correspondingto the second second layer data based on a movement of the informationprocessing apparatus in the second direction detected by the detectionunit.

(14) The information processing apparatus of (13), wherein the graphicindicia corresponds to a playlist.

(15) The information processing apparatus of (14), wherein, uponselection of the graphic indicia, the processor controls the first layerdata to be added to the playlist.

(16) The information processing apparatus of any one of (1) to (3),wherein the processor controls the display to display a first graphicindicia corresponding to the second layer data upon receiving an inputselecting the first layer data at the touch panel.

(17) The information processing apparatus of (16), wherein the processorcontrols the display to display second graphic indicia corresponding tosecond second layer data upon receiving the input selecting the firstlayer data at the touch panel.

(18) A method performed by an information processing apparatus, themethod comprising: controlling, by a processor of the informationprocessing apparatus, a display to display first layer data; detecting,by a detection unit of the information processing apparatus, movement ofthe information processing apparatus; and controlling, by the processor,the display to display second layer data corresponding to the firstlayer data together with the first layer data based on a detectedmovement.

(19) A non-transitory computer-readable medium including computerprogram instructions, which when executed by an information processingapparatus, cause the information processing apparatus to perform amethod comprising:

controlling a display to display first layer data; detecting movement ofthe information processing apparatus; and controlling the display todisplay second layer data corresponding to the first layer data togetherwith the first layer data based on a detected movement.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   100 Information processing apparatus-   101 Tilt detecting unit-   103 Operation body detecting unit-   105 Control unit-   107 Display unit-   109 Communication unit-   111 Imaging unit

1. (canceled) 2: An information processing apparatus, comprising:circuitry configured to control display of first layer data; detect anoperation of the information processing apparatus; detect a tiltmovement of the information processing apparatus based on the operation;and select an item of the first layer data based on the operation andthe tilt movement of the information processing apparatus. 3: Theinformation processing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the circuitry isfurther configured to detect swing and rotation movements of theinformation processing apparatus and angles of respective movements froma predetermined reference point. 4: The information processing apparatusof claim 2, further comprising: a display; a touch sensor on thedisplay, the touch sensor detecting a touch input, wherein the circuitryis further configured to transmit the first layer data to one of aplurality of devices based on a movement of the information processingapparatus in a first and a second direction detected by the circuitry;and the one of the plurality of devices reproduces the first layer data.5: The information processing apparatus of claim 4, wherein thecircuitry controls the display to display a first graphic correspondingto second layer data upon receiving an input selecting the first layerdata at the touch panel, and the second layer data corresponds to aprocess to be performed on the first layer data. 6: The informationprocessing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the circuitry controls thedisplay to display a second graphic corresponding to the second layerdata upon receiving the input selecting the first layer data at thetouch panel, the second graphic different from the first graphic. 7: Theinformation processing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the circuitrycontrols a process corresponding to the first layer data based on aselection corresponding to a process to be performed on the first layerdata. 8: The information processing apparatus of claim 2, wherein thecircuitry controls display of second layer data based on a movement ofthe information processing apparatus in a first direction detected bythe circuitry, and the second layer data corresponds to a process to beperformed on the first layer data. 9: The information processingapparatus of claim 8, wherein the circuitry controls display of thesecond layer data based on a movement of the information processingapparatus in a second direction detected by the circuitry, the seconddirection different from the first direction. 10: The informationprocessing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the circuitry controls displayof a plurality of graphics corresponding to the second layer data basedon a movement of the information processing apparatus in the seconddirection detected by the circuitry. 11: The information processingapparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of graphics correspond to aplaylist. 12: The information processing apparatus of claim 11, wherein,upon selection of one of the plurality of graphics, the circuitry adds acorresponding item of the first layer data to the playlist. 13: Theinformation processing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the circuitrycontrols display of a plurality of graphics corresponding to secondlayer data based on a movement of the information processing apparatusin a first direction detected by the circuitry, and the second layerdata corresponds to a process to be performed on the first layer data.14: The information processing apparatus of claim 13, wherein each ofthe graphics corresponds to the process to be performed on the firstlayer data. 15: The information processing apparatus of claim 14,wherein the each of the plurality of graphics corresponds to a processof transferring the first layer data to a respective one of a pluralityof devices capable of reproducing the first layer data. 16: Theinformation processing apparatus of claim 15, wherein, upon selection ofone of the plurality of graphics, the circuitry instructs one of theplurality of devices corresponding to the one of the plurality ofgraphics to reproduce the first layer data. 17: The informationprocessing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the circuitry controls displayof a scrolling operation of the plurality of graphics corresponding tothe second layer data based on a movement of the information processingapparatus in a second direction different from the first direction. 18:The information processing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the circuitryincludes a GPS device, geomagnetic sensor, acceleration sensor, gyrosensor, or atmospheric pressure sensor. 19: A method performed by aninformation processing apparatus including circuitry, the methodcomprising: controlling, by the circuitry, display of first layer data;detecting, by the circuitry, an operation of the information processingapparatus; detecting, by the circuitry, a tilt movement of theinformation processing apparatus based on the operation; and selecting,by the circuitry, an item of the first layer data based on the operationand the tilt movement of the information processing apparatus. 20: Anon-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer programexecutable instructions, which when executed by an informationprocessing apparatus, cause the information processing apparatus to:control display of first layer data; detect an operation of theinformation processing apparatus; detect a tilt movement of theinformation processing apparatus based on the operation; and select anitem of the first layer data based on the operation and the tiltmovement of the information processing apparatus.